By PR | 09:22 PM March 15, 2024
Approximately 300 employees took part in a free urinalysis through a dipstick test from March 7–14 at the Capitol’s lobby.
In celebration of World Kidney Day, the provincial government, through the Provincial Health Office (PHO), organized the initiative to raise awareness about the importance of the health of kidneys.
In the test, employees collected a urine sample, which was then submitted to medical technologists for analysis by dipping a special strip called a dipstick.
The dipstick contains different chemical pads that change color when they come into contact with certain substances in the urine and are compared against a color chart in the test kit.
PHO utilized a 10-parameter dipstick strip that analyzes substances, including leucocytes, nitrite, urobilinogen, protein, pH, blood, specific gravity, ketone, bilirubin, and glucose.
In an interview, Teresita Sarigumba, nurse coordinator for the chronic kidney disease program, shared the importance of taking the dipstick test to identify abnormalities in the urine.
“Ang uban gyud mao pay pagkahibawo nga taas diay ilang sugar, kay tingali wala silay mga tests nga gihimo, or naa silay mga symptoms unya kaya pa, maong gipasagdaan sa nila,” she elaborated.
Sarigumba also added that those who took the test were informed of the common symptoms of urine abnormalities and infections and advised to practice a healthy lifestyle.
“Karon nga nag-conduct ta og urinalysis, nahibawo na gyud sila nga naay part sa ilang kidney nga dili na diay healthy.”
As part of the Philippine Women’s Month celebration, PHO also collaborated with the Provincial Human Resource Management and Development Office led by Dr. Anne Mariquit Derikito-Oppus, gender and development focal point system alternate chair.
As part of the provincial government’s efforts to deliver inclusive and accessible health services under the Aumentado-Balite administration, they distributed IEC materials for awareness since women get urinary infections more often than men as a woman’s urethra is shorter than a man’s.
An education campaign was also simultaneously conducted at Bohol Medical Care Institute to educate family and guardian watchers of dialysis patients.
“More water intake, at least 10 glasses of water or 2-3 liters of water a day, and have urinalysis at least once a year for awareness,” Sarigumba’s advice when asked about the best way to take care of kidneys.
Employees with urine abnormalities are referred to PHO’s Dr. Emerson Mateo, where they can also take further microscopic urinalysis in hospitals as they are covered by their Coco Life health insurance.
Meanwhile, PHO will also conduct a campaign on the Renal Disease Control Program (REDCOP) in the Women’s Health and Wellness on March 25 at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall on the 3rd Floor at the Capitol.
REDCOP is under the Department of Health, which implements public health projects on the prevention and control of renal and other related diseases. (PiMO/JSS)
